Million Lincoln Wheat Penny: The Lincoln Wheat Penny, first introduced in 1909, holds a special place in American numismatic history. Designed by Victor David Brenner to commemorate Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, it was the first U.S. coin to feature a real historical figure. The obverse displays Lincoln’s dignified profile, while the reverse showcases two wheat stalks encircling the words “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” along with the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
For nearly 50 years, these pennies were minted primarily from 95% copper—until a wartime shortage led to an unexpected rarity: the 1943 Copper Penny.
The Accidental Rarity: The 1943 Copper Penny
During World War II, copper was urgently needed for ammunition and military equipment. To conserve resources, the U.S. Mint switched to zinc-coated steel for pennies in 1943. However, a handful of copper planchets from 1942 were mistakenly struck with the 1943 date, creating one of the most famous error coins in history.
Today, experts estimate that only 20 to 30 genuine 1943 copper pennies exist across all U.S. mints. Their scarcity, combined with their historical significance, makes them the crown jewel of Lincoln cent collections.
How Much Is a 1943 Copper Penny Worth?
Auction records show staggering values for these rare coins:
- Philadelphia (No mint mark, MS63 Red): Over $1 million
- Denver (D mint mark, MS64): $1.05 million+ (Only one confirmed specimen exists)
- San Francisco (S mint mark, MS63): $1 million+
While rumors of a $21 million penny are exaggerated, authenticated 1943 copper cents have consistently sold for life-changing sums.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies to Look For
Beyond the 1943 copper cent, several other Wheat Pennies are highly sought after:
- 1909-S VDB: The first-year issue with the designer’s initials (only 484,000 minted) – $1,000 to $168,000
- 1914-D: Extremely low mintage – $300 to $55,000
- 1922 Plain: Missing mint mark due to a worn die – $500 to $25,000
- 1955 Doubled Die: Dramatic doubling on the obverse text – $1,000 to $224,000
- 1944 Steel: A rare error using leftover steel planchets – $75,000 to $180,000
How to Spot a Genuine 1943 Copper Penny
With such high stakes, counterfeit coins are common. Follow these steps to verify authenticity:
- Magnet Test: A real copper penny won’t stick to a magnet (steel pennies will).
- Weight Check: A genuine 1943 copper cent weighs 3.11 grams, while steel versions weigh 2.7 grams.
- Date Inspection: Many fakes are altered 1945 or 1948 pennies—examine under magnification for signs of tampering.
- Professional Grading: If your coin passes initial tests, submit it to PCGS (pcgs.com) or NGC (ngccoin.com) for certification.
Could a Rare Penny Still Be in Your Pocket?
While most Wheat Pennies in circulation are worth only a few cents, rare dates and errors occasionally surface. Collectors still hunt through bank rolls and old coin jars, hoping to find overlooked treasures.
Preserving and Protecting Valuable Coins
If you discover a potentially valuable penny:
- Handle it by the edges to avoid damage.
- Never clean it—doing so can drastically reduce its value.
- Store it in an acid-free holder away from moisture and extreme temperatures.
- Document its origin, as provenance can add historical significance.
Should You Invest in Rare Pennies?
While coins like the 1943 copper cent have appreciated significantly over decades, experts advise collecting for passion rather than pure profit. The joy of discovery, the stories behind each coin, and the camaraderie among collectors often outweigh financial gains. That said, professionally graded rare coins can be a unique addition to an investment portfolio.
Final Thoughts: A Small Coin with a Big Legacy
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is more than spare change—it’s a piece of American history. From wartime errors to low-mintage rarities, these coins remind us that treasure can hide in the most ordinary places. So next time you receive a handful of pennies, take a closer look. You might just be holding a fortune.
FAQs
Q: How many 1943 copper pennies are confirmed to exist?
A: Approximately 20 to 30, with only one verified 1943-D specimen.
Q: What should I do if I think I’ve found one?
A: Test it with a magnet, weigh it, inspect the date, and submit it to PCGS or NGC for authentication.
Q: Are Wheat Pennies still in circulation today?
A: Yes, but most have been pulled by collectors. Finding one in change is rare but possible.
Q: Could there still be undiscovered 1943 copper pennies?
A: It’s unlikely, but not impossible—which is why collectors never stop searching.
